Spring 2009 Fashion Trends: Women's Tops

I like to sort through the racks of Forever 21 to get the pulse of what is or will be hot in the coming months for fashion. Their clothes may not be designer quality, but the styles are usually copied from what is seen on high fashion runways. Here are a few fashion trends I've been seeing in women's tops for Spring 2009.

Ruffled Tops

In the past, the ruffly look was seen as "too much" but this season it will be more popular. This is a look that only a true "girly girl" will be able to pull off, otherwise it could look ridiculous. For instance, you can't wear a ruffled top with Ugg boots. There are some tastefully done button down tops that have ruffles running down along the buttons, usually sleeveless. Also, you'll find sleeveless tops with ruffles around the shoulder. Finally, some popular Spring tops have a ruffle bunched up towards the neck area (sort of like the ruffled shirts that men in the 1800s wore).

Double Breasted Vests

Double breasted vests first started becoming commonplace in the Fall of 2008. They look just okay with a long sleeved shirts. But the trend may continue into the spring when the vests are paired up with tank tops and flairy blouses (with ruffles, hint hint) with open necks that accentuate the bust. Also, with the Spring comes brighter, more fun colors. Look to see more colorful options for double breasted vests in the Spring of 2009.

Asymmetrical Tops

There is a tasteful way to show a little skin in the Spring 2009. The asymmetrical top is cut to expose more skin on one side, such as a fall off of the shoulder, or even no shoulder on one side. The asymmetrical cut can also be made on the bottom, which would expose a little of the belly button. Both options are cute, flirty, and fun for the Spring.

Floppy Wide Rimmed Hat

One great Spring 2009 fashion trend in women's tops will be floppy hats. These hats are like the icing on the cake to a great Spring outfit. It goes just right with a belted Spring dress, or even a short set. The ideal wide rimmed hat will be tan or white in color with a darker colored ribbon around the base (click link to see examples). Look for every fashion forward, trendy woman to be wearing a wide rimmed floppy hat this Spring 2009!

Smock Sleeve Tops

About five or six years ago, princess shirts were wildly popular. These were the shirts that resembled the types of shirts that old world princesses would wear, with flared arms and bottoms. That style is making somewhat of a comeback with smock sleeve shirts. These great looking shirts are pinched around the wrist and then have a wide flared part that covers part of your hand (click link to see an example). These smock sleeved shirts will look great tucked into a pair of jean coolots or shorts with a nice, attractive large belt.